GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.,– For the second year in a row, Grace Bible College student Kodie Palmer has launched a shoebox toy drive to benefit kids in need.
“People were doing it internationally, so I thought why don’t we do it locally? There’s a lot of kids around here who are not privileged with having gifts for Christmas,” Palmer told FOX 17 News.
Last year, Palmer was able to collect 130 gift-filled boxes that he was able to distribute to kids at Mel Trotter Ministries. This year he’s doubled his goal and hope to bring in 300 boxes. He’s planning to hand the boxes out to kindergarteners and first graders at Burton Elementary School, where he works as a mentor.
“We’re having people pick a grade, pick a girl or a boy,” explained Palmer. “If We’re blessed to have more, which would be great, then we would do the whole school.”
Palmer is asking that people stuff the boxes with things like toys, hats, gloves and books. The suggested total amount is anywhere from $5 to $30 dollars.
He’s hoping to make the drive even bigger next year.
“My goal is to have one school next year, and then next year have three schools and getting bigger and bigger, eventually being able to do it for all the kids in Grand Rapids,” said Palmer. “It’s a huge time commitment, but it’s worth it when you see those kids happy.”
Donations can be dropped off at Ada Bible Church or in the Commons Building on the Grace Bible College campus.
For more information, you can also email Kodie_palmer@online.gbcol.edu.